Dual-mode propulsion system with dual-mode chemical rocket engine and dual-mode chemical rocket engine

摘要

The invention relates generally to dual mode bipropellant chemical rocket propulsion systems to be used in aerospace applications for 1) orbit raising, orbit maneuvers and maintenance, attitude control and deorbiting of spacecraft, and/or 2) propellant settling, attitude and roll control of missiles, launchers and space planes. The present invention also relates to a dual mode chemical rocket engine for use in such systems. The engine uses low-hazardous storable liquid propellants and can be operated either in monopropellant mode or in bipropellant mode. The monopropellants used are a low-hazard liquid fuel-rich monopropellant, and a low-hazard liquid oxidizer-rich monopropellant, respectively.